Cisneros Family of 5

Edith, age 16, migrated from Guatemala to the U.S. about 6 months ago and was forced to leave behind her biological family along with meaningful items. Edith began Mental Health Services with Aviva during the summer of 2023 due to being a victim of gang violence in her home country and experiencing a traumatic migrating journey to the U.S. The traumatic events have affected the family unit and Edith’s paternal aunt financially as she is the sole provider who often works multiple jobs to support Edith along with her own family. Edith lives in a one-bedroom apartment with her paternal aunt and two male cousins. Edith’s paternal aunt does her best to provide for the family’s basic needs. Despite the challenges Edith experiences with language barriers in High School, she has learned how to ask for help, form friendships and attain good grades. She is currently in the 10th grade and has demonstrated responsibility as she attends school every day, completes all her assignments and does not experience behavioral challenges within school. Edith has shared that she often struggles accepting that she is no longer in Guatemala away from her biological family. For Edith, it has become a challenge to let go of her guilt and acculturate to a new country and routine. Edith has made progress with services provided by Aviva such as therapy. Edith’s paternal aunt has shared that Aviva has helped Edith drastically in becoming more comfortable with her environment and form a voice for herself.